CRANBERRY TWP — Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making their “first stop” officially kicking off the township’s Christmas holiday season at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Rochester Road. Shortly after arriving on a specially commissioned fire truck, Santa will greet the residents, throw a switch lighting the community tree on the center’s front lawn, and then head back to the North Pole for more holiday preparations. “Santa is a much-loved figure throughout our community,” said Cranberry manager Jerry Andree. “He is also very statesmanlike because no matter what’s happening in the world, regardless of your political beliefs, and despite the work you do the rest of the year, everyone here adores him and looks forward to his visit, even if it’s only a brief one. So once again in 2012, we are delighted that Santa has chosen Cranberry Township as the first stop in his journey of spreading holiday cheer.” Santa Claus’s arrival also launches the Holiday Tree Gallery inside the building, which will be followed by a series of free indoor family activities and crafts. Residents can stroll through the “forest,” which has trees themed to the missions of nonprofit organizations and donate to their causes. Since Santa won’t be able to stay to visit with everyone, families wanting their child to visit him are invited to register for one of eight Milk and Cookies with Santa sessions hosted by the township Parks and Recreation Department. Santa will visit with children while they decorate holiday cookies and make their own personalized Christmas stocking. Individual visits with Santa will not take place until Santa’s return on Dec. 1, 8, and 9. Registration for Milk and Cookies with Santa on one of those dates must be made in advance with the parks department. A fee of $12 per child, or $9 for Cranberry residents, is payable at the time of registration. To register, call 724-776-4806, Ext. 1129, or register online at www.cranberrytownship.org/programs.